Leaving is ‘surreal’ for Wakefield

Lori Wakefield gives a hug to Larry Buysse at Lori’s retirement party from G & R Electric last Thursday. Wakefield has “held down the fort” at G & R for the last 28 years. Photo / Per Peterson

Lori  Wakefield retires after 28 great years at G & R Electric in  Tracy

Lori Wakefield had a work day like no other at last Thursday.

Well-wishers stopped by G & R Electric all day during Wakefield’s retirement party after 28 years of “holding down the fort.”

Wakefield joked about her longevity: “They just locked the door and wouldn’t let me leave,” she said.

In all seriousness though, she said G & R Electric has been a great place to work.

“They have treated me exceptionally well,” she said.

Wakefield’s duties have included any office matters — bookkeeping, sales, answering phone calls and making appointments. She said she intends on being around for a while to help her replacement, Rose Kramer, get adjusted to her new role.

“It’s a little surreal, kind of strange,” Wakefield said of leaving. “But I’m sure I’ll get used to it.”

Wakefield said both she and her husband, Rick, have hobbies and that the pair will also “chase the grandkids around.”

Over the years, Wakefield has worked for Doug Louwagie, Denny Lanoue, Brad Stoneberg and Brian Lanoue.

“They were all great — I can’t say enough good things about them,” she said.